LAHORE, Nov 22:Zeeshan Rahman, of English Football club Fulham, will represent Pakistan in the three-match practice series being organized in Bahrain with different teams as part of the preparations for the SAFF championship to be held at the Peoples Stadium, Karachi from Dec 7-17.

President Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, told Dawn on Tuesday that Zeeshan had joined the Pakistan team in Bahrain to play the first match against a club scheduled to be held on Nov 25.

The president said that it was a great moment for Pakistan football that a player, who had played in the first division league of U.K was available for Pakistan.

“I hope Zeeshan’s decision to represent Pakistan will not only help the team to deliver, it will also boost the game in the country,” he said.

Zeeshan, a defender, had recently contacted the PFF showing willingness to represent the country at international level.

Faisal said that the remaining matches would be played on Nov 27 and 29.

The president said that he had talked with Pakistan team coach Salman Sharida over telephone in Bahrain and he also praised the talent of Zeeshan and was happy over his inclusion in the team.

He said that the practice matches in Bahrain would help the Pakistan team to hone the skill for the SAFF championship.

“The performance of the Pakistan team before Pakistanis is most important and three practice matches and inclusion of Zeeshan will help the team develop into a formidable side for the other seven rivals,” the president remarked.

Pakistan are scheduled to return on Dec 1 and resume training camp in Karachi.